A legacy of inspiring young minds since 1982

SOFURA is an Assamese children’s magazine that was first published in 1982. The magazine fosters creative engagement among children and has played a fundamental role in the lives of people across Assam. It has effectively made world literature, history, and a wealth of facts accessible to children across the state.

The magazine also encourages children to write stories, poems, and create illustrations, helping them develop their cognitive abilities. There is a section where students can ask questions on various topics, and the magazine strives to satisfy their curiosity.

How it began

In 1982, Mr. Ambika Pada Dev Choudhury, along with Dr. Bhabendranath Saikia, founded the magazine, which was published by Bani Prakash. Its launch was a significant milestone in the history of Assamese children’s magazines. The 1980s were a turbulent time in Assam, and the disruption reached into the education of a generation of young people. The magazine persevered through that period.

In the late 1990s publication paused. It resumed in 2002, with Dhiraj Goswami as publisher and Dr. Bhabendranath Saikia returning as chief editor.

Editors over the years

• Ambika Pada Dev Choudhury — founder, 1982
• Dr. Bhabendranath Saikia — co-founder and chief editor
• Kumud Goswami, Bhabesh Mahanta and Rupam Barua — editors in the years that followed
• Kuladhar Saikia — chief editor at present
• Dhruba Kumar Das — editor at present

The Trust

The SOFURA Educational Trust organises the Talent Discovery & Scholarship Examination, a state-level initiative in Assam aimed at identifying and nurturing academic talent.

About the examination